Mounting device for a bicycle derailleur, bicycle derailleur and bicycle derailleur assembly

Abstract

Mounting device (10) for mounting a bicycle derailleur (12) on a bicycle frame (102), wherein the mounting device (10) comprises: a mounting section (14) which can be adjusted to be positioned about an axis (X1) defined by a bottom bracket (100) of the bicycle frame (102), and a display (18) configured to show the orientation of the assembly section (14) with respect to a predetermined direction.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting device for a bicycle derailleur, a bicycle derailleur and a bicycle derailleur assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bicycle front derailleurs are well known in the art and typically include a chain guide that moves the chain from one chainring (sprocket) to another in response to the cyclist's input. See, for example, US 2013 / 0 029 795 A1 to Jordan, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. When the front derailleur is mounted to the bicycle frame, there is typically an optimal position for the rear derailleur in which it can efficiently move the chain from one ring to the other. The optimal position is based on the direction in which the chain runs or travels when it engages the chainring. While this predetermined optimal position is known by the manufacturer, it can be difficult for the user to determine this optimal position. Therefore, there is a need to assist the user in determining the preferred position of a front derailleur relative to the chain and its direction of travel.

[0003] US 2006 / 0 068 955 A1, for example, discloses a mounting bracket for a front derailleur, which has a plurality of projections that can engage in corresponding recesses on the bottom bracket shell in order to align the front derailleur in predefined positions.

[0004] Another exemplary bicycle derailleur with a mounting bracket with which the derailleur can be arranged in two positions is known from DE 696 07 083 T2.

[0005] US 2009 / 0 062 049 A1 discloses an exemplary derailleur whose mounting bracket has arcuate elongated holes, whereby the orientation of the derailleur can be continuously adjusted within a defined range.

[0006] DE 10 2007 033 018 A1 discloses, by way of example, an alignment device that can be applied to the bicycle derailleur from the outside in order to align the bicycle derailleur relative to the bottom bracket.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of providing a bicycle derailleur that can be easily adjusted by the user.

[0008] This object is achieved by a mounting device for mounting a bicycle derailleur according to claim 1, a bicycle derailleur according to claim 11 and a bicycle derailleur assembly according to claim 14. Advantageous developments according to the invention emerge from the subclaims. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a mounting device for mounting a bicycle derailleur to a bicycle frame is provided. The mounting device comprises a mounting portion adjustably mountable to be positioned around an axis defined by a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame, and a display configured to indicate the orientation of the mounting portion relative to a predetermined direction. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined direction corresponds to a chain line defined by the running direction of the bicycle chain. The display is configured to indicate the circumferential position of the mounting portion around the axis of the bottom bracket.Preferably, the indicator comprises a direction mark configured to be parallel to the predetermined direction, and the chain line is defined by the running direction of the bicycle chain when the bicycle chain engages a chainring.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the indicator comprises at least a first and a second indicator positioned such that, when the mounting device is adjustably mounted around the axis of the bottom bracket, the first indicator will indicate the orientation of the mounting portion relative to a first direction corresponding to a first chainline defined by a first chainring, and the second indicator will indicate the orientation of the mounting portion relative to a second direction corresponding to a second chainline defined by a second chainring. Preferably, the mounting portion has at least one slot extending in the circumferential direction around the axis of the bottom bracket.In one embodiment, the mounting member includes a central opening defined therein that is axially aligned with the axis of the bottom bracket when the mounting member is mounted about the axis of the bottom bracket, and the mounting portion includes a plurality of slots extending circumferentially around the axis of the bottom bracket. The slots are arranged around the central opening.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting device further comprises a connecting portion adjustably connected to the mounting portion and attachable to the bicycle derailleur. Preferably, one of the connecting portion and the mounting portion comprises an elongated adjustment slot, and the other of the connecting portion and the mounting portion comprises a corresponding adjustment opening. A screw extends through the adjustment slot and the adjustment opening and can move translationally within the adjustment slot, allowing adjustment between the mounting portion and the connecting portion.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur is provided, comprising a chain guide comprising an inner plate and an outer plate spaced from the inner plate, and an indicator disposed on at least one of the inner plate and the outer plate and configured to indicate the orientation of the chain guide relative to a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction corresponds to a chain line defined by the running direction of the bicycle chain. Preferably, the indicator is disposed on the outer surface of the outer plate.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a bicycle derailleur assembly is provided, comprising a bicycle derailleur and a mounting device for mounting the bicycle derailleur to a bicycle frame. The mounting device includes a mounting portion adjustably mountable around an axis of a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame, and an indicator configured to indicate the orientation of the bicycle derailleur assembly relative to a predetermined direction. The indicator is arranged on at least one of the bicycle derailleur and the mounting portion.

[0014] The invention and its further features and advantages will best be understood by reference to the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of a mounting device and a derailleur mounted on a bicycle frame according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting device and the derailleur of Fig. 1; Fig. 3A is a section of the mounting device and derailleur of Fig. 1, which shows the chain line not aligned with the display; Fig. 3B is a section of the mounting device and derailleur of Fig. 1, which shows the chain line aligned with the display; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mounting device and derailleur of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an internal perspective view of the mounting device and derailleur of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting device and a derailleur according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic exploded view of the mounting device and the derailleur of Fig. 6 together with a section of a bicycle frame; and Fig. 8 is a side view of a derailleur according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] In the different views of the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] As used herein to describe the present invention, the following directional terms "forward, backward, up, down, vertical, horizontal, under, and across," as well as other similar directional terms, refer to the directions of a bicycle equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as used to describe the present invention, should be interpreted with reference to a bicycle equipped with the present invention being used in the normal cycling position.

[0018] Related to the Fig. 1-7, a mounting device 10 for a bicycle derailleur 12 is shown and described. The mounting device 10 generally includes a mounting portion 14, a connecting portion 16, and an indicator 18 configured to indicate the orientation of the mounting portion 14 relative to a predetermined direction. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 14 is adjustably mounted to be positioned about an axis X1 defined by the bottom bracket 100 of the bicycle frame 102. As shown in Fig. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 14 is connected directly to the bottom bracket 100 by screws 20. However, this does not represent a limitation of the present invention, and in another embodiment, the mounting portion 14 may also be connected to another portion of the bicycle frame 102, as long as the mounting portion 14 is positioned around the axis X1 defined by the bottom bracket 100.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the mounting portion 14 comprises a central opening 22 and at least one and preferably a plurality of slots 24 extending in the circumferential direction around the central opening 22 and around the axis X1 of the bottom bracket 100 when the mounting device 10 is connected to the bicycle frame 102. The slots 24, together with the screws 20, provide adjustability in the circumferential direction around the axis X1 (see arrow A1 in Fig. 1). It is understood that for illustrative purposes only one screw 20 in Fig. 1 is shown, however, that in use the other two slots 24 in Fig. 1 would also include screws 20.

[0020] As in the Fig. 1 - 2, the connecting section 16 extends between the mounting section 14 and the derailleur 12. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting section 16 is adjustably connected to the mounting section 14 via at least one adjustment slot 26 and at least one corresponding adjustment opening 28, through which at least one screw 30 or the like extends. The drawings show the adjustment slots 26 in the connecting section 16 and the adjustment openings 28 in the mounting section 14. However, this relationship can also be reversed such that the adjustment slots 26 are located in the mounting section 14 and the adjustment openings 28 in the connecting section 16. The screw 30 extends through the adjustment slot 26 and the adjustment opening 28 and can move translationally in the adjustment slot 26, whereby the relative position between the mounting section 14 and the connecting section 16 can be adjusted in the direction of the adjustment slot 26, as indicated by the arrow A2 in Fig. 1. In use, to adjust the position of the derailleur 12, the screws 30 are loosened, the connecting portion 16 and the derailleur 12 are moved vertically, and the screws 30 are retightened. It is understood that more or fewer adjustment slots and openings may be provided. Furthermore, the screws may also be replaced by other components that allow adjustment between the mounting portion 14 and the connecting portion 16.

[0021] How best to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion 16 includes ribs 32 that extend over the adjustment slots 26 and are received in the corresponding grooves 34 in the derailleur 12. The mounting device 10 also includes a retainer 36 that serves to secure the mounting portion 14, the connecting portion 16, and the derailleur 12 and holds the ribs 32 in the grooves 34. In another embodiment, the ribs may be located on the derailleur, and the grooves may be formed in the connecting portion 16.

[0022] The Fig. 6-7 show another embodiment of the present invention in which the circumferential slots 24 have been omitted and the mounting portion 14 is attached to the bottom bracket 100 by an adapter 104. As shown, the adapter 104 positions the mounting portion 14 between the bottom bracket 100 and the chainrings 106. To adjust the position of the mounting portion 14 (and the derailleur 12) in the circumferential direction, the adapter 104 is loosened, the mounting portion 14 is rotated about the axis X1, and the adapter 104 is retightened. As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the adjusting slots 26 are formed in the connecting portion 16, and the adjusting openings 28 are formed in the mounting portion 14. Again, this relationship can be reversed.

[0023] The indicator 18 will now be described. As described above in the Background of the Invention section, it is important that the derailleur 12 be positioned so that the chain 108 extends therethrough in a predetermined direction. In general, the indicator 18 assists the user in positioning the derailleur to adjust it to the desired orientation relative to the chain 108 or the chainline C1 (the line defined by the direction of travel of the chain 108). Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the predetermined direction corresponds to the direction of the chainline C1. In another preferred embodiment, the indicator 18 is configured to indicate the circumferential position of the mounting portion 14 about the axis X1 of the bottom bracket 100. It will be understood that the chainline C1 is defined by the direction of travel of the chain 108 when it engages one of the chainrings 106.

[0024] The indicator 18 may be a mark, a notch, a projection, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the indicator 18 is a direction marker 38 configured to be approximately parallel to the predetermined direction, i.e., the chain line C1. The direction marker 38 is defined herein as any marker that defines a line or curve having a length. For example, the direction marker 38 may be a solid line (as in Fig. 1), a dashed line, several dots forming a line, a scratch, a notch, a protrusion or the like.

[0025] As in Fig. 6, in a preferred embodiment, the mounting device 10 includes first and second indicators 18a and 18b; one for indicating the orientation of the mounting portion 14 relative to the chainline of the chain 108 when positioned on a first chainring 106a, and the other for indicating the orientation of the mounting portion 14 relative to the chainline of the chain 108 when positioned on a second chainring 106b. In this embodiment, the indicators 18a and 18b include two distinct lines configured parallel to the chainline of the chain 108 when engaged with the chainring 106a and the chainring 106b, respectively. In another embodiment, a single indicator may include two lines or markings (top and bottom) between which the chainline of the chain 108 may be located.

[0026] The Fig. 3A - 3B show an example of positioning the derailleur 12 and the mounting portion 14 using the indicator 18. As in Fig. 3A, the chain line C1 is not parallel to the indicator 18 / direction mark 38. To adjust the circumferential position of the derailleur 12 and the mounting portion 14, the screws 20 are loosened and the mounting portion 14 is rotated so that the indicator 18 / direction mark 38 is parallel to the chain line C1. The screws 20 are then retightened. If desired or necessary, the vertical position of the derailleur 12 can also be adjusted via the connection between the connecting portion 16 and the mounting portion 14 described above.

[0027] It should be understood that the mounting device 10 and the derailleur 12 may be provided to the user as a complete unit (referred to herein as the derailleur assembly 40). The present invention also includes a method for adjusting the position of the derailleur 12 relative to the chainline C1. The method includes mounting the derailleur assembly such that the mounting portion 14 is positioned about the axis X1 of the bottom bracket 100, determining the position of the chainline, rotating the mounting portion, and aligning the indicator with the chainline. The method may also include vertical movement of the derailleur 12.

[0028] Fig. Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the indicator 18 is disposed on the derailleur 12. In this embodiment, the derailleur generally includes a chain guide 50 having an inner plate 52 (located closer to the bicycle frame 102) and an outer plate 54 spaced from the inner plate 52, and the indicator 18 disposed on at least one of the inner plate 52 and the outer plate 54. Fig. 8 shows the display positioned on both the inner plate 52 and the outer plate 54. However, this is not a limitation of the present invention, and the display may be positioned only on the inner plate 52 or only on the outer plate 54. Furthermore, the display 18 may be positioned on either the inner or outer surface of the inner and / or outer plates 52 and 54, or both.

[0029] In another embodiment, both the derailleur 12 (on one of the inner and outer plates 52 and 54 or both) and the mounting portion 14 may include the indicators 18. In another embodiment, the connecting portion 16 may be omitted, and the mounting portion 14 may be connected directly to the derailleur 12 without vertical adjustability.

[0030] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the recited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other unrecited features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the terms "containing," "comprising," and their derivatives.The term "assembled" or "assemble," as used herein, includes configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by securing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element by securing the element to the intermediate component(s); and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is an essential part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "joined," "connected," "coupled," "attached," "bound," "fixed," and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "portion," "section," "component," or "element," when used in the singular, can have the dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.As used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the following directional terms "forward," "backward," "right," "left," "outward," "inward," "downward," "upward," "overward," "underward," "vertical," "horizontal," and "across," as well as other similar directional terms, refer to the directions of a bicycle equipped with the bicycle derailleur mounting device. Consequently, these terms, as used to describe the bicycle derailleur mounting device, should be interpreted with reference to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle derailleur mounting device being used in the normal cycling position on a flat surface. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately," as used herein, are intended to represent a reasonable degree of deviation from the modified expression so that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0031] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in particular claim forms, the inventors contemplate various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is presented as a "means-plus-function" claim, other aspects may also be presented as a "means-plus-function" claim or in other forms, such as in a computer-readable medium. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to append additional claims after filing the application to continue these additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

[0032] Accordingly, it is to be understood that while exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, all terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 Mounting device 12 bicycle derailleurs / front derailleurs 14 Assembly section 16 connecting section 18 Advertisement 18a first advertisement 18b second display 20 screws 22 Opening 24 slots 26 Adjustment slot 28 Adjustment opening 30 screw 32 ribs 34 grooves 35 bracket 38 Direction marking 40 Bicycle derailleur assembly / derailleur assembly 50 chain guide 52 inner plate 54 Outer plate 100 bottom brackets 102 bicycle frames 104 adapters 106 chainrings 106a first chainring 106b second chainring 108 chain C1 chain line X1 axle (of the bottom bracket)

Claims

[1] Mounting device (10) for mounting a bicycle derailleur (12) on a bicycle frame (102), the mounting device (10) comprising: a mounting portion (14) which can be adjustably mounted so as to be positioned around an axis (X1) defined by a bottom bracket (100) of the bicycle frame (102), and a display (18) configured to indicate the orientation of the mounting portion (14) relative to a predetermined direction. [2] Mounting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined direction corresponds to a chain line (C1) defined by the running direction of the bicycle chain (108). [3] Mounting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the display (18) is configured to display the circumferential position of the mounting portion (14) about the axis (X1) of the bottom bracket (100). [4] The mounting device (10) of claim 1, wherein the indicator (18) comprises a directional marker configured to be parallel to the predetermined direction. [5] Mounting device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the chain line is defined by the running direction of the bicycle chain (108) when the bicycle chain (108) engages a chainring (106). [6] Mounting device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the indicator (18) comprises at least a first and a second indicator (18a, 18b) positioned such that when the mounting device (10) is adjustably mounted about the axis (X1) of the bottom bracket (100), the first indicator (18) will indicate the orientation of the mounting portion (14) with respect to a first direction corresponding to a first chain line (C1) defined by a first chainring (106a) and the second indicator (18b) will indicate the orientation of the mounting portion (14) with respect to a second direction corresponding to a second chain line (C1) defined by a second chainring (106b). [7] Mounting device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion (14) has at least one slot (24) extending in the circumferential direction around the axis (X1) of the bottom bracket (100). [8] Mounting device according to claim 7, wherein the mounting portion (14) comprises a central opening (22) defined therein which is axially aligned with the axis (X1) of the bottom bracket (100) when the mounting portion (14) is mounted about the axis (X1) of the bottom bracket (100), wherein the mounting portion (14) has a plurality of slots (24) extending in the circumferential direction about the axis (X1) of the bottom bracket (100), and wherein the slots (24) are arranged around the central opening (22). [9] Mounting device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting portion (16) adjustably connected to the mounting portion (14) and attachable to the bicycle derailleur (12). [10] Mounting device (10) according to claim 9, wherein one of the connecting portion (16) and the mounting portion (14) comprises an elongated adjustment slot (26) and the other of the connecting portion (16) and the mounting portion (14) has a corresponding adjustment opening (28), and wherein a screw (30) extends through the adjustment slot (26) and the adjustment opening (28) and can move translationally in the adjustment slot (26), whereby an adjustment can be made between the mounting portion (14) and the connecting portion (16). [11] Bicycle derailleur (12), comprising: a chain guide (50) comprising an inner plate (52) and an outer plate (54) spaced from the inner plate (52), and a display (18) arranged on at least one of the inner plate (52) and the outer plate (54) and configured to display the orientation of the chain guide (50) relative to a predetermined direction, the predetermined direction corresponding to a chain line (C1) defined by the running direction of the bicycle chain (108). [12] The bicycle derailleur (12) of claim 11, wherein the inner plate (52) is closer to the bicycle frame (102) than the outer plate (54) when the bicycle derailleur (12) is attached to the bicycle frame (102). [13] Bicycle derailleur (12) according to claim 12, wherein the indicator (18) is arranged on the outer surface of the outer plate (54). [14] Bicycle derailleur assembly (40) comprising: a bicycle derailleur (12) and a mounting device (10) for mounting the bicycle derailleur (12) on a bicycle frame (102), wherein the mounting device (10) comprises a mounting portion (14) which can be adjustably mounted around an axis (X1) of a bottom bracket (100) of the bicycle frame (102), and an indicator (18) configured to indicate the orientation of the bicycle derailleur assembly relative to a predetermined direction, the indicator (18) being disposed on at least one of the bicycle derailleur (12) and the mounting portion (14).

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